Beautiful Auckland is located on the Isthmus of New Zealand’s north island.  

From the first days when the Maori canoes came into New Zealand, Auckland city has embraced the water, beaches, fishing, diving and sailing, so it makes sense that this is the most frequented embarkation/debarkation port for the world’s newest country.  

Cruise ships porting in Auckland, are conveniently located on the edge of downtown, a short 5 minute walk into the city.  Whilst most ships currently come into Princes wharf, Auckland is building a state of the art, purpose built cruise terminal which is expected to open for the 2013-2014 season.  The exciting developments are happening rapidly with new bars, restaurants and residences, making the harbour the place to be for a lively visit, great meal or to fantasise about the hundreds of yachts tied up at Viaduct Harbour.     

Well-known for its huge Polynesian community and local Maori traditions these cultures in partnerships with the times of today have transformed the inner city into a cultural melting pot.  As the centre continues to grow Auckland has created itself as a contemporary city with a great mix of the old and new.  From the boutique shopping area of Queen Street, the 328 metre high Sky Tower, Auckland fish markets, Auckland museum with the world’s largest collection of Polynesian artefacts and the 1920’s tram through Wynard.

For those who prefer to head out of the city, there will be plenty of sightseeing and natural marvels and to keep you busy.  Go to the top of Mount Eden to take some spectacular photos as well as stand on the highest dormant volcano in Auckland.  Or see the fields and farms of the region. For the unusual head to Piha on the west coast to see the black sand beaches or for the truly unique a visit to Waitomo Gloworm Caves.  

For those with an interest/passion for food, Auckland will not disappoint.  Perhaps a visit to the Matakana Coast, one of Auckland’s prime wine regions and gaining a reputation as a ‘slow’ food destination with local and organic produce and the delicacies such as mussell fritters, delicious crepes,  organic chocolate, fresh cheeses and locally brewed beer available at the Farmer’s markets.

With so much to see the hardest choice is what to do in a short timeframe so a pre or post cruise stay would not go astray…..   

DID YOU KNOW:

• The name for Auckland in Maori is ‘Tamaki Makau Rau’, interpreted as a maiden with 100 lovers.
• Auckland is on the coast of the narrowest point of the Isthmus and therefore literally stretches from one side of the country to the other

**Photos of Auckland, New Zealand, courtesty of Chris Sisarich, Tourism New Zealand, Scott Venning, ,